How to Broaden Your Musical Horizons
If you've noticed your music taste is limited to artists who've been commercially successful, a particular genre, or what your boyfriend plays through his iPod speakers, maybe it's time for a change. Just as your taste buds would get bored from the same items on a menu over and again, your ears sometimes like things spiced up a bit. Here's how to wake your musical pallet, and turn them onto music that is fresh and unique:
Listen to one of JukeboxAlive's radio stations. Casually listening is fine... listen while you're checking your email, updating your profile, cleaning your room, or whatever activities you like having background music for. When you hear a song you like, take note. Go and check out the artist's profile and add them as a friend so you'll be able to check out some of their other music.
Listen to entire albums. Especially with the popularity of music downloading where you can purchase individual songs rather than purchasing the entire album, many of us are rarely exposed to music as many artist's intended them-- to be listened to in their entirety. There could be great songs that, for whatever reason, weren't released as singles. Discover different aspects of artists you love by seeking the hidden jewels that are often contained in the lesser known songs. But don't get discouraged if some of an artist's songs are disappointing... there are a variety of reasons artists record songs, including for sentimental reasons, record company contract obligations, etc.
Ask around. You know that girl you see on the bus everyday on your commute who's always listening to her iPod, tapping her high-heeled foot to the beat of some mysterious tune? Initiate conversation with her one day... ask her what she's listening to. Here are some sample questions to get the musical conversation going:
"What's the CD you ever bought?"
"Is there a song that always makes you cry?"
"What's your all-time favorite song lyric?"
"If there was a soundtrack to your life, what would it be?"
It's a universal truth that everyone loves talking about themselves, and the same goes for one's musical tastes. Watch someone's face light up as they talk about their best concert experience or why they love their favorite song, and make a new friend in the process.
Next blog we'll talk about even more ways to break out of your musical stereotypes.